10 Best Beaches Near Tampa [for 2023]
There are more than a dozen beautiful and spectacular beaches just a short distance from the city of Tampa. Nearly all of the beaches are located within a half-hour drive of downtown Tampa.
Before you begin your beach trip, take a look at our list of some of the best beaches near Tampa. All of the beaches here have soft, white sand. There’s sand and the warm, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re looking for a full-service beach with cabanas, restaurants, water sports, and entertainment, the popular Clearwater Beach is a great option.
A favorite of spring-breakers, it’s the center of all the action and home to Pier 60 which hosts the hugely popular daily Sunset Fest. If peace is your thing, perhaps a beach in a more natural setting without the condos and groomed sand is a great option for you.
One of the most stunning and scenic in an area full of stunning beaches is located on Caladesi Island State Park, and it doesn’t have many high-rise buildings the pristine beach is a great option for connecting with nature.
1. CLEARWATER BEACH
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Clearwater Beach is a busy beach very popular with locals and tourists alike. It has well-maintained beaches. In addition, there are many beach amenities such as watersports rentals, concessions, and cabana shade.
If you get tired of lounging on this beach, you can go fishing here, and enjoy dolphin watching and leisure charters along with many other activities to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the surroundings.
You can enjoy them at the Clearwater Aquarium, the former home of the famous Disney dolphins, Winters. Some of the best and most spectacular seafood restaurants in the Tampa Bay area are certainly to be found on Clearwater Beach, including two versions of the area’s perennial favorite, Frenchie’s Featuring delicious cuisine.
Every evening at sunset on this beach, people gather on The Pier to participate in the Sunset Festival, a panoramic view that includes entertainment and a spectacular craft market. After dark, Shepherd’s Beach Resort offers a variety of club and nightlife options, including The Wave, a two-story dance club.
Clearwater Beach is a world-class and spectacular beach offering plenty of beachside activities and amenities. Nearby attractions include restaurants and nightlife.
Parking is a bit of a challenge as this beach gets crowded, so be sure to head here early in the morning. Try to reach out as soon as possible.
2. ST. PETE BEACH
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St. Pete Beach, another area beach, makes it to the top of the Best Beaches in the World list. The beach’s white sand and warm bay waters attract tourists, plus things to do make it popular.
Beachside amenities abound, including restaurants, tiki bars, cabana rentals, jet ski rentals, and other adventure opportunities. This beach offers a variety of overnight options, and full-service There are resorts and retro boutique hotels.
Explore shopping opportunities along pristine Corry Avenue and take in historic panoramic views by taking some time to visit the landmark Don Cesar Resort.
Nicknamed the “Pink Palace”, this impressive Mediterranean-style hotel was established during the Jazz Age.
Relaxing St. Pete Beach offers a wide range of beachside activities, restaurants, bars, and great shopping opportunities. There are plenty of activities to do. There are no drinks at St. Pete Beach, for which you must be a guest of a hotel or bar.
3. FORT DE SOTO PARK
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With more than 1,000 acres of protected land covering five interconnected cays, Fort De Soto Park is a great option for beach camping.
The island highlights many forms of wildlife and Pak’s beach is surrounded by grasses, mangroves, wetlands, and palm trees. Fort de Soto Park is full of natural beauty, and a tranquil lagoon protected by sand bars that provide a safe and great area for children to play.
There are approximately 7 miles of paved trails for biking and walking for visitors. Among the park’s various facilities are two piers where visitors can fish without a license, a dog park and beach area, and kayak and bike rentals.
Fort De Soto Park is a popular family-friendly beach favorite with beautiful beaches and many other amenities, including on-beach camping.
There is much to offer for those interested in ancient history, the Fort De Soto site, an artillery and bombing range used during World War II, plus plenty of history for tourists.
4. CALADESI ISLAND STATE PARK
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The beach is one of the stunning stretches on Caladesi Island, which is very popular among tourists and locals for its beauty. This beach offers the whitest sand and more teal-colored water than its neighbors.
This secluded beach is home to plenty of small critters for shell hunters to peck at and nature lovers to appreciate. This nature reserve But there are few facilities for tourists and can be reached only by ferry or private boat.
Although it may be a bit more inconvenient for you, it is a small price to pay to maintain the pristine condition and beauty of the song. Price is charged.
Ferries from Honeymoon State Park to Caladesi Island run on a daily schedule, see their website for details and fees.
Caladesi Island is a beautiful and secluded, landscaped sanctuary with a stunning beach perfect for shell hunters. Friendly beach. One can rent a kayak to explore the nearby beaches.
5. HONEYMOON ISLAND STATE PARK
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Caladesi Island, the beach access point on Honeymoon Island also has a lot of beautiful and fine sand to offer tourists and does not require a boat to reach there.
Apart from the 4 miles of white sand, the island has a variety of beaches. Includes nature trails and bird-watching areas where you can spot nesting ospreys and a variety of water bird species.
Tourists can contact us here at Rotary Nature Center to get more information. The island offers plenty of amenities, including a concession stand and restaurant, where you can rent umbrellas, chairs, and kayaks, in addition to delicious cuisine.
Here you can enjoy a picnic area with a playground and covered pavilion with your family even in rain. Honeymoon Island is situated as a natural paradise, and its 4 miles of white sand add to its beauty.
If you are planning to take a nature walk here, do not forget to bring mosquito repellent with you as mosquitoes can bother you here.
6. TREASURE ISLAND
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Treasure Island is a beautiful and popular beach destination that offers a funky, retro vibe and offers plenty of wide, white sand beaches and recreational activities.
This beach is perfect for those who enjoy kitesurfing. interest, and presents colorful scenes to entertain the tourists. A mile-long paved walkway makes it easy and comfortable to get around Treasure Island and links the many great hotels, restaurants, bars, and lots of shops along the beach.
At the northern end of this is St. John’s Pass which mimics a quaint fishing village and serves as a hub for charter boats, a wide variety of souvenir and apparel shops, and many fantastic bars and restaurants.
You can relax on the beach as alcoholic beverages are permitted. This island is designed as a classic beach community with almost 3 miles of beach and a large selection of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby. Here you can spend your holiday full of fun and relaxation.
7. SAND KEY PARK
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Sand Key Park is a quiet and family-friendly getaway on Clearwater’s south side of Tampa Bay. It’s also a beach park, offering visitors white sand and access to a boardwalk and nature trail.
If you come here at the right time, then you can get the experience of seeing the nesting areas of sea turtles. Whether you want to view Florida’s wildlife or just swim and relax, this is one of the ideal spots.
It is located on a barrier island between the gulf and the Florida mainland and has plenty of parking. There is a venue, a picnic area, showers, and restroom facilities are also available. There is a wonderful playground for children to play in.
Sand Key Park offers tourists the pleasure of both a beautiful sandy beach and a family park equipped with facilities.
8. INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
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Indian Rocks Beach, also known locally as IRB, offers spacious white sand beaches with less emphasis on commercial development.
This quiet and residential beach area is less crowded than Clearwater or St. Pete, public beach access is charming and wonderful with over 20 entries into the sand, but facilities are minimal with showers, restrooms, and parking While there are no big chain hotels for you to choose from, there is plenty to do here with skim boarding popular for entertainment despite its laid back atmosphere.
There are plenty of restaurants for you to enjoy when you want to take a break from the beach More bars exist. Indian Rocks Beach offers a spacious white sand beach with ample public access without the crowds and commercialism, hop on the Jolly Trolley if you want to escape the laid-back atmosphere.
And to find other ocean elements, you can check the schedule at the nearest stop on Gulf Blvd.
9. BEN T. DAVIS BEACH
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Ben T. Davis Beach is the closest beach to downtown Tampa and a favorite tailgate spot among locals. If you’re vacationing in Tampa and looking for a great beach to relax on nearby, Davis Beach is a great option for you.
The white sand of the beach is powdery, and the calm water is cool enough to cool you off and provides ample picnic spots. In the mornings the beach is heavily crowded with volleyball players amongst the locals.
This beach is considered one of the best spots in the city to watch the panoramic view of the sunset. The new Courtney Campbell Trail, a four-mile biking and pedestrian walkway are located adjacent to the bridge.
Recommended for Beaches Because Ben T. Davis Beach Tampa’s largest and most famous beach inside city limits, Davis offers ideal proximity to the airport for travelers who value efficiency Here at the Lifeguard Memorial, from Labor Day through Labor Day, lifeguards remain on duty and look forward to your safety.
10. FRED HOWARD PARK
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Fred Howard Park is a popular nature preserve beach located on the north side of the barrier islands of Tampa Bay.
The park is connected by a mile-long Causeway, which connects the charming and beautiful town of Tarpon Springs, and the area’s famous beach is home to sponge docks and delicious cuisine from authentic Greek restaurants.
In addition to allowing tourists access to expanses of white sand, the park protects endangered Florida habitats. Here visitors can get a glimpse of the wildlife which can spot nesting birds like osprey and eagles, as well as dolphins and manatees.
In terms of facilities, there is a picnic area and a great playground. Beaches to Recommended because Fred Howard Beach Both a gorgeous expanse of white sand and a protected natural environment make this beach a paradise for nature lovers.
This beach has a dedicated area for windsurfing lovers.